‘Generation gap’ revealed in research into holiday-booking habits

Package holidays are surging in popularity across age ranges but a “generation gap” has emerged over when bookings are made.

EasyJet holidays research found that Gen Z prefer to lock in trips less than 12 weeks before departure, in contrast to older generations who prefer to book up to five months in advance.

The factors driving younger Gen Z travellers’ demand for last-minute trips are looking for cost-saving budget hacks (36%), wanting a mental health reset (31%) and giving themselves a hit of spontaneity (26%). 

Meanwhile, Gen X are booking trips at least five months ahead, with budgets (52%), availability of their travel partner (33%) and a preference for planning (24%) influencing how far in advance they prefer to book.  

Average booking times across generations are revealed as:  

• Gen Z – 11.5 weeks in advance   
• Millennials – three months in advance   
• Gen X – five months in advance   

Although Millennials and Gen X lead the preference for package holidays, generational data shows that almost two-fifths (38%) of Gen Z are now more likely to book this type of holiday compared to five years ago, citing cost efficiency (60%), ease of booking (56%) and peace of mind (38%) as their top reasons for booking. 

The desire to take more frequent trips is rising across all generations, with a third (32%) of people now taking three or more trips a year.  

Almost a quarter (23%) of Gen Z and Millennials share a preference for shorter, more frequent trips, with easyJet holidays data showing the average trip lasts 6.7 days. 

Britons are prioritising regular travel as a way to spend quality time with friends and family (48%), relax and unwind (44%) and prioritise personal wellbeing and mental health (38%). 

Top 10 motivations for booking a last minute holiday: 

1. Budget hacks and last-minute deals (32%) 
2. Spontaneity (26%) 
3. Work schedules (21%) 
4. Mental health reset (20%) 
5. Flexible mindset (17%) 
6. Decision fatigue (12%) 
7. Instant gratification (11%) 
8. Celebrating wins (9%) 
9. Short lead times (8%) 
10. FOMO (4%) 

EasyJet holidays chief commercial officer Paul Bixby said: “We’re committed to providing package holiday options that suit the needs of all our customers, and this latest research highlights a fascinating shift in how people are choosing to travel. 

“More Brits than ever are opting for package holidays because of their convenience and reliability, but we’re seeing generational habits vary more than ever – from early planners to spontaneous adventurers. 

“That’s why we offer a wide range of booking options and holiday types, with brilliant last-minute deals as well as packages departing right up to March 2027.”